Hello All,

Just recently had a full Brocks Alienhead installed (with airbox block off plug). Rode it for about a month or so and then installed a PC5 with a street map from Brocks. The popping on decel was noticeably reduced. The tech at Brocks said the PC5 was tuned using 89 octane and anything above that will result in power loss. I ran a few tanks of 89 through the bike but have since moved back to 93. I noticed the bike 'stumbling' a little at idle and took it to the shop and was told that was a result of the PC5 switching between maps (street and autotune).

Long story longer- i was told by a rider behind me that i get an occasional flame from the pipe and sometimes smoke. the other day a friend and I swapped bikes before a short ride and when he started my bike, a puff of black smoke came out of the pipe. at the next stop light, I gave him the 'hit the throttle' gesture and when he did, a pretty big cloud of black smoke came out. there are quite frequent 'sonic booms' that come during decel... and popping when shifting to each higher gear if I am riding hard.
lots of 'soot' on the head of the exhaust.

2012 ZX14R, just hit 11,300 miles.

sorry for the long post. i appreciate any assistance.

i get an occasional flame from the pipe and sometimes smoke.

recently noticed flashes of light from behind my 08 while riding at night. I have soot on the tip of my pipe too. Everyone has that. I would not worry unless it looks oily.

The popping on decel was noticeably reduced.

We just removed the PAIR on the Gen 1 to eliminate about 33% of that racket. Makes the sound just about perfect IMHO. PAIR removal doesn't work for you Gen 2 owners?

took it to the shop and was told that was a result of the PC5 switching between maps (street and autotune).

There is a right way and a wrong way to use Autotune. Ask Romans, he's the resident expert on the correct procedure.

i was told by a rider behind me that i get an occasional flame from the pipe

This is a problem?

black smoke came out.

I would worry if it was white or blue. Black sounds like you are blowing out a cloud of carbon that has sat in there collecting for a while.

there are quite frequent 'sonic booms' that come during decel... and popping when shifting to each higher gear if I am riding hard.

Some of the things I enjoy best about my bike. To each his own.

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^^
Actually, the sonic booms are pretty cool- I can usually predict when they will happen! :)

* Last updated by: zx1441xz on 9/24/2012 @ 8:09 PM *

I would consider this fairly normal. I am not real familiar with the switching between maps, understand the concept, that's about it. Personally, I would just run the Brock's map and not even mess with the auto tune. I just don't have a lot of faith in the auto-tune, or what it does once you hit the switch to change maps(I do have A LOT of faith in Brock's Maps---used them for Many miles with no issues).

When switching maps---> Does it zero map, then go directly to the auto-tune map? Or, does it pick up right where you were at throttle position? Is the bike running when you switch maps?

If you notice fuel dripping at the midpipe, then you have issues. A little extra out the back as a fireball....I wouldn't worry.

+1 to Rook's comments.

L2m

This is easy guys. Something is seriously wrong with the PC5 or the map your using. You should not have a blast of black smoke coming out of your bike or a lot of soot. If it continues I would have the bike dyno tuned for the A/F ratio or get rid of the PC5. Your gunkiing up the exhaust valves and the exhaust for no reason. Good Luck, but don't think this is in any way "normal". Bikes run the quarter in the 7s and 8s with no black smoke.....

Too Rich need a better map.

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Agree, just run the Brock map.

I noticed the bike 'stumbling' a little at idle and took it to the shop and was told that was a result of the PC5 switching between maps (street and autotune).

This is Not True.

When your bike is at idle rpm the Auto Tune software is changing the fuel amounts in the PCV software for you to get the exact AFR #'s you have set up in your own AFR Auto Tune Tables. In short it's working for you. There are no two maps. Just one, with changes being made to it. The sound you here is the new #'s being entered again and again and so on.

sorry for the long post. i appreciate any assistance.

This is how we all learn. Ask away. The guys here will help.

Long story longer- i was told by a rider behind me that i get an occasional flame from the pipe

Normal due to the fuel cut Kawi has programmed in the ECU for emissions. This is a subject all on it's own. Backfire or decell pop. The reflash has this solved I hear. See Ivan. I think Brock also has a copy.

and sometimes smoke. the other day a friend and I swapped bikes before a short ride and when he started my bike, a puff of black smoke came out of the pipe. at the next stop light, I gave him the hit the throttle' gesture and when he did, a pretty big cloud of black smoke came out

This can be a result of using Auto Tune or a bad map for your elevation.

Please keep in mind Auto Tune is doing what it is supposed to but has no way of knowing what the rider is doing with the throttle position and can give #'s based on what the 02 sensor sniffs at the time. So in short if you were going hard on the throttle and let off,,,, then touched throttle on the rpm wind down, your new map #'s are shit. Could be smoke heading your way or flame from lean condition.

We had a thread some where ?????

There is a right way and a wrong way to use Autotune. Ask Romans, he's the resident expert on the correct procedure.

Thank You for the plugs Rook. I'm no Expert but my passion for the ZX-14 running perfect has no End.

When switching maps---> Does it zero map, then go directly to the auto-tune map? Or, does it pick up right where you were at throttle position? Is the bike running when you switch maps?

I hope the above answered this question.

This is easy guys. Something is seriously wrong with the PC5 or the map your using.

No there is not. Auto Tune is not being used in the best manner possible. Not his fault, just not enough written on the subject. Grrrrrr.

Took me two years in my study and I think my map base is now over a 1000.

Agree, just run the Brock map.

Easy way out, but Yes.

Or, study and learn how to use your new software.

I 4 one love it and could not live with out it Now.
If you do decide to work with Auto-Tune the End Result will be a Map for Your Bike, made by You, at your Elevation.

Nothing could be better.

Guys hope this helps. If I can Help I will Cheers.

* Last updated by: Romans on 9/29/2012 @ 8:23 PM *

Damn, Roman...Now I want to try out the autotune....

I have to agree with your opinion on just using the Brock map. For me, I lived where there was no access to a dyno for several years. I was finally able to get a tune on my system with Brock's map as a starting point. The map was near perfect for me, but a bit rich on the top end. At the time, my only option was to just use the best I had at the time. Once I got the topend leaned out a bit, the bike ran flawless(2006 w/o flies, Brock's 20" megaphone.)

I also appreciate the insight and your thoughts on exploring and learning the hardware/software. It reminds me of how much I used to love tinkering and adjusting, reading & learning about my bikes. I knew the inside, outside, ups and downs of my 12R and the 14 because I took the time to research and ask question on forums, and trying it out for myself...I learned A LOT in a relatively short time as a new rider. There is no doubt, the better you 'know' your bike, the better off you will be in the long run, and I've thoroughly enjoyed Every minute of it.

Thanks, Roman, you've re-motivated me! I should be receiving my new parts within the next two weeks...and I can't wait to start wrenching my new toy.

Regards,
L2M

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This is why we need the Hubster back.

No offense Romes. The big 2 forums sing your name where boost is mentioned

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